Dry versus dehydrated

Did you know there's a big difference between dry and dehydrated skin?

Dry skin is a skin type.

Dry skin needs moisture and rich oils products to compensate for the natural lack of oils (your body doesn't produce enough). During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, increased hand washing and the use of hand sanitizer strips our natural oils away and leaves skin dry, flaky and more vulnerable.

Dehydrated skin is a skin condition.

Dehydrated skin lacks water, not oil. You actually can have an oily

complexion but still have a dehydrated skin! In fact, when your skin is dehydrated, your sebum will kick in and go into overdrive.

You will now have excess oil and still lack the much needed

hydration your skin needs.

For dry skin...

Dry skin will mostly appear dry on the surface, feel rough and can be flaky. I recommend using lipid rich products with occlusive ingredients like fatty acids, ceramides and plant oils.

These will protect the skin barrier and prevent transepidermal water loss.

For dehydrated skin...

Dehydrated skin will feel tight, look papery, may be sensitive and show fine lines. I recommend using water based products that have humectant ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid which can hold 1000x its weight in water. It will plump the skin cells and keep the skin looking hydrated.

My all time favorite hydrator is the [HA5 from SkinMedica][1]. It has 5 forms of hyaluronic acid that leaves your skin instantly soft, it retains moisture, it absorbs quickly, it has no smell and is suitable for any skin type!

Beauty Tips

• Try a humidifier to counteract Alberta's dry air and keep your skin's natural moisture from evaporating.

• Drink more water and eat water rich foods.

• Avoid too much caffeine and alcohol.

Not sure whether you are dry or dehydrated? Send me a message.

-Nurse Lindsay